A systematic review of the impacts of exposure to micro- and nano-plastics on human tissue accumulation and health.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Systematic review synthesizing primarily preclinical (in vitro, in vivo animal) and sparse observational human data
PubMed 38435355 · doi:10.1016/j.eehl.2023.08.002
What was done
The authors reviewed evidence on human exposure routes (ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact) and translocation pathways of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) in the lungs, intestines, and skin. They synthesized data on MNP tissue accumulation and organ-system impacts from in vitro human cell cultures, in vivo animal models, and available human epidemiological studies.
What was found
The abstract provides no quantitative findings, effect sizes, or risk estimates. It reports that laboratory investigations show MNPs induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, disruption of internal barriers (intestinal, air-blood, and placental), tissue damage, immune dysregulation, endocrine disruption, and reproductive/developmental toxicity. Limited epidemiological data suggest potential associations with lung nodules, asthma, and blood thrombi.
Why it matters
This review maps known exposure routes and biological mechanisms of plastic particles across organ systems, clarifying where laboratory toxicity is established and where human clinical data are still lacking.
Limits
The abstract does not report the number of included studies, search criteria, or quantitative metrics. Direct human health evidence remains scarce, with most findings derived from in vitro and animal models that may not reflect real-world human exposure levels or chronic disease endpoints.
Cited by
- supports Nanoplastics can cross biological barriers and enter the systemic bloodstream.